A MAN who burgled the home of a 77-year-old widow and then robbed her in the street after she went for help has been jailed for more than nine years.

Stewart Smith, of Accrington, forced his way into his victim's Rawtenstall home with a "cock and bull" story about her house being at risk of fire.

Then when the woman went out to try and get help, he followed her down the road, pulling her to the pavement in order to steal her handbag.

Judge Brian Duckworth at Preston Crown Court told the 33-year-old he had behaved despicably.

He sentenced Smith, of Marlborough Road, to a total of eight years for offences of robbery and burglary, but first the defendant must serve 456 days of an outstanding sentence.

Mr Patrick Williamson, prosecuting, said the woman living in a terrace house in Newchurch Road had been widowed several months before the offences on September 17.

She answered her doorbell to see Smith who pushed past her and into the hallway.

He said he had to get in as she might have a fire due to him drilling through a wall and cutting through a cable.

The woman became increasingly suspicious, especially as he was wearing gloves.

She therefore picked up her handbag and placed it on her shoulder.

She noticed the defendant rifling through her dressing table drawer, though he claimed to be merely shutting it.

The woman ran outside and began trying to summon help from neighbours.

The prosecution said Smith followed and ran after her down the street, saying "What do you think you are doing?"

He pulled at the bag, trying to force her to the ground, eventually pulled her on to the pavement.

Smith then made off with the bag containing around £150 cash and documentation.

She was left on the pavement, extremely shaken and upset.

After his arrest, Smith said he had been desperate for money to fund his heroin addiction.

He had previous convictions that included burglary and robbery. In August 2002 he was given three years for burglary and theft.

Mr Russell Edmondson, defending, said: "This was a burglary that went terribly wrong, resulting in a robbery outside the house of the woman.

"He bitterly regrets any harm he has caused."

He said an extremely unpleasant struggle had taken place and Smith had said "I am very sorry and ashamed at what I put this woman through".

Judge Duckworth said: "No right thinking member of the public would fail to be appalled and horrified that that sort of thing could happen.

"The message must go out loud and clear that people who get into other people's houses and use violence to steal bags and the like must be punished."